Replacing 25% of soybean meal with sesame seed meal in cattle feed improves digestive efficiency and reduces methane emissions, according to a 2026 laboratory study published in Tropical Animal Health and Production. Gram Research analysis shows that this partial substitution could help farmers lower feed costs while reducing environmental impact, though the findings are based on controlled lab conditions rather than tests with live cattle.
Researchers tested whether sesame seed meal, a leftover product from sesame oil production, could replace some soybean meal in cattle feed. In a laboratory study, they found that replacing 25% of the soybean meal with sesame seed meal improved how efficiently cows’ stomachs break down food and reduced methane gas production. This matters because methane from cattle contributes to climate change, and sesame seed meal is a cheaper, more sustainable alternative to soybean meal. According to Gram Research analysis, this simple feed swap could help farmers reduce environmental impact while potentially lowering feed costs.
Key Statistics
A 2026 laboratory study found that replacing 25% of soybean meal with sesame seed meal in cattle feed enhanced fermentation efficiency and significantly reduced methane emissions compared to diets with 100% soybean meal.
Research published in Tropical Animal Health and Production tested five feed mixtures with sesame seed meal inclusion levels ranging from 0% to 13.1% of total dry matter, finding that the 25% replacement level provided optimal benefits.
The study demonstrated that total gas production increased with higher sesame seed meal inclusion levels, but the reduction in methane emissions highlighted potential environmental benefits of this feed substitution strategy.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether sesame seed meal, a byproduct of sesame oil production, could replace some soybean meal in cattle feed without harming digestion or increasing harmful gases.
- Who participated: This was a laboratory study using five different feed mixtures tested in controlled conditions. No live animals were used; instead, researchers simulated cow stomach conditions in test tubes.
- Key finding: When sesame seed meal replaced 25% of the soybean meal, cows’ digestive systems worked more efficiently and produced less methane gas. Higher replacement levels (50% and above) started to reduce these benefits.
- What it means for you: If you raise cattle, this suggests you could save money on feed while reducing environmental impact. However, this was lab research, so real-world testing on actual farms is needed before making major feed changes.
The Research Details
Researchers created five different cattle feed recipes. In the first recipe, they used only soybean meal as the protein source. In the other four recipes, they gradually replaced more and more soybean meal with sesame seed meal, going from 25% replacement up to 100% replacement. They then placed each feed mixture in a special laboratory machine that mimics how a cow’s stomach works. The machine kept the feeds at body temperature for 48 hours while measuring how much gas was produced and what type of gases they were.
This type of study is called an in vitro fermentation study, which means ‘in glass’ or in a lab setting rather than inside a real animal. While this approach doesn’t capture everything that happens in a living cow’s digestive system, it provides quick, controlled information about how different feeds break down. The researchers used a specific machine called the ANKOM RF system, which is a standard tool for this type of testing.
Lab studies like this one are important because they let researchers test many different feed combinations quickly and cheaply before recommending changes to farmers. Testing in actual cattle would take much longer and cost more money. This research helps identify which feed swaps are worth testing on real farms.
This study has some limitations to keep in mind. First, it only tested five feed mixtures in a laboratory, not in living animals. Second, the abstract doesn’t specify exactly how many times they repeated each test, which affects how confident we can be in the results. Third, this is a single study, so the findings need confirmation from other research groups. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, which means other experts reviewed it before publication, adding credibility.
What the Results Show
The most important finding was that replacing 25% of soybean meal with sesame seed meal improved how efficiently the feed was broken down in the simulated cow stomach. This means the feed was used better, with less waste. The researchers also found that this 25% replacement level reduced methane production, which is significant because methane is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
When researchers replaced more than 25% of the soybean meal with sesame seed meal, the benefits started to decrease. At 50%, 75%, and 100% replacement levels, the digestive efficiency improvements were smaller, and methane reduction was less dramatic. This suggests there’s an optimal level of sesame seed meal to use, and more isn’t always better.
The study also measured carbon dioxide production, which increased slightly as sesame seed meal inclusion increased. However, the reduction in methane was considered more important environmentally than the small increase in carbon dioxide.
The research showed that sesame seed meal contains compounds that can affect how feed breaks down in the rumen, the first chamber of a cow’s stomach. These compounds appear to help beneficial bacteria work more efficiently at lower inclusion levels. The study also demonstrated that sesame seed meal, a byproduct that might otherwise be wasted, could have real nutritional value for cattle.
Previous research has shown that soybean meal is expensive and its production can contribute to deforestation. Finding alternative protein sources for cattle feed has been a goal of agricultural researchers for years. This study adds to growing evidence that oilseed byproducts like sesame seed meal could be viable replacements. However, most previous work has focused on other oilseeds, so this sesame-specific research fills a gap in the literature.
The biggest limitation is that this was a laboratory study, not a test with real cattle. A cow’s actual digestive system is more complex than the simulated conditions in the lab machine. Second, the study doesn’t tell us about other important factors like how well cattle would grow or produce milk if fed this way, or whether they would find the feed palatable (tasty). Third, the study doesn’t address practical farming questions like how to source sesame seed meal consistently or how it would affect feed costs in real-world conditions. Finally, this is a single study from one research group, so the findings need to be confirmed by other independent researchers.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, sesame seed meal shows promise as a partial replacement for soybean meal in cattle feed, with a 25% replacement level appearing optimal. However, this recommendation comes with moderate confidence because it’s based on laboratory testing only. Before making large-scale changes to cattle feed, farmers should consult with their veterinarian or animal nutritionist and consider conducting small-scale trials on their own farms. The environmental and cost benefits are theoretically significant, but real-world results may differ from lab results.
This research is most relevant to cattle farmers and ranchers looking to reduce feed costs and environmental impact. It may also interest agricultural researchers, feed manufacturers, and environmental advocates. However, farmers in regions where sesame seed meal isn’t readily available may find it impractical to implement. This research is less relevant to people who don’t raise cattle.
If a farmer were to switch to this feed, they might expect to see cost savings relatively quickly, depending on sesame seed meal availability and pricing in their region. Environmental benefits like reduced methane emissions would accumulate over time as more cattle are fed this way. However, any changes to cattle feed should be made gradually over 7 to 10 days to allow the animals’ digestive systems to adjust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sesame seed meal really reduce methane from cattle?
A 2026 laboratory study found that replacing 25% of soybean meal with sesame seed meal significantly reduced methane emissions. However, this was tested in controlled lab conditions, not with live cattle, so real-world results may differ.
What’s the best amount of sesame seed meal to use in cattle feed?
Research suggests 25% replacement of soybean meal with sesame seed meal provides the best balance of improved digestion and reduced methane. Higher replacement levels showed diminishing benefits in the laboratory study.
Is sesame seed meal cheaper than soybean meal?
Sesame seed meal is a byproduct of sesame oil production and is typically less expensive than soybean meal. However, availability and pricing vary by region, so farmers should check local feed suppliers.
Will switching to sesame seed meal affect how much milk or meat my cattle produce?
This laboratory study didn’t measure cattle growth or milk production. Real-world testing on farms is needed to determine whether sesame seed meal affects animal performance. Consult your veterinarian before making feed changes.
How quickly can I switch my cattle to sesame seed meal feed?
Introduce sesame seed meal gradually over 7 to 10 days to allow cattle digestive systems to adjust. Start at 10% replacement and work up to your target level while monitoring appetite and digestion.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If you raise cattle, track your feed costs per animal per month and compare them before and after introducing sesame seed meal at the 25% replacement level. Also monitor milk production (if dairy) or weight gain (if beef cattle) to ensure performance doesn’t decline.
- Start by sourcing a small quantity of sesame seed meal from a local feed supplier or agricultural cooperative. Mix it gradually into your existing feed over one to two weeks, starting at 10% replacement and working up to 25% replacement. Monitor your cattle’s appetite and digestion during this transition.
- Keep a simple log of feed costs, animal performance metrics, and any digestive issues observed. If you have access to methane measurement tools or can work with a local agricultural extension office, track methane emissions before and after the feed change. This real-world data will help you decide whether to continue with sesame seed meal long-term.
This research is based on laboratory testing in controlled conditions, not on live cattle. Before making changes to your cattle’s diet, consult with a veterinarian, animal nutritionist, or your local agricultural extension office. Results in real-world farming conditions may differ from laboratory findings. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice. Individual animals may respond differently to feed changes based on age, health status, and other factors.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.